We arrive in the Holy Land, claim our luggage, and meet our wonderful guide. We are off to explore the Holy Land! First stop: Caesarea, where Paul was imprisoned and made his defense before Agrippa. A walk in the ancient Hippodrome and a stop in front of the Bema judgment seat get us off to a thrilling start. We then head north and ascend Mt. Carmel to commemorate Elijah’s calling down fire on the prophets of Baal. We conclude with a quiet drive to Tiberius for dinner and a good night`s rest.

We awake refreshed and enjoy a morning boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to the Museum of the Ancient Boat. From there we go to the ruins of the synagogue at Magdala where Jesus would surely have taught. Then we make the drive west into the hills and see Cana where the first recorded miracle of Jesus was performed. Our next visit is the town of Nazareth where Jesus spent His childhood years. After a beautiful view and helpful orientation from Mt. Precipice, we drive through the Valley of Armageddon, past Mt. Tabor, and soon come to the stunning ruins of Megiddo. Contemplating thoughts of the final victory of Jesus, we head for our hotel and a hearty dinner.

Those who wish may wake up early for a sunrise service overlooking the Sea of Galilee before we head north to the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Next, we have a unique visit to the ruins at crucial city of Hazor to reflect on the conquests of Joshua. A drive northward brings us to the sources of the Jordan River, and to Tel Dan where Jeroboam had his altar and golden calf. A special visit to Caesarea Philippi allows us to study Peter’s confession, after which we finish the day with an unforgettable drive through the Golan Heights down to the Sea of Galilee and visit Capernaum “the hometown of Jesus.”

This morning we drive to the Jordan River baptismal site at Yardenit, where some may wish to be baptized. We then head to Bet Shean, a city of the Philistines where Saul and Jonathan’s bodies were taken after their defeat at Gilboa. A drive across the Jezreel Valley brings us to the area of Ahab and Jezebel’s Palace, after which we visit the spring where Gideon’s 300 were prepared for victory. We enjoy a stunning view from the heights of Mt. Gilboa on our way to Jerusalem, ascending from the Jordan Valley and the area of Jericho up to our first glimpse of the walls of the Holy City. Arrival at our lovely hotel, and a tasty buffet dinner conclude our day.

Today we travel to the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea. We will learn about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, hike to the falls of Ein Gedi where David showed mercy to King Saul, and ascend Masada. Then you may go for a “float” in the Dead Sea before we cap our day off with a glorious view of the Old City and the Temple Mount as we ascend to Jerusalem once again.

The morning begins with an early departure for the Samarian Hills and a visit to Shiloh, site of the ancient tabernacle for over 300 years. We then return to Jerusalem for our introduction to the Old City from atop of the Mt. of Olives. We then follow the path of some of Christ’s final hours down to the Garden of Gethsemane, the place of His agony in prayer. After this solemn time, we visit Bethlehem for a full afternoon of lunch, shopping, a visit to the Church of the Nativity, and reflection on Boaz and Ruth and the first Christmas at the nearby Shepherd`s Field. We arrive back in Jerusalem in time for a special visit and service at the Garden Tomb.

This is our personal day where each may choose to rest and relax, or use the convenient “light train” to visit some of the attractions around Jerusalem. Explore the Old City, visit the Holocaust Museum, or take the Ramparts walk on the walls of the Old City. Be back at the hotel in time for dinner or enjoy a meal on your own in the Jaffa Center where you can even grab a burger at MacDonald’s if you like! There are plenty of free sites, but you will be responsible for any entry fees at sites visited on this day.

We begin our final day of touring just outside the Old City at the City of David to see the extensive ruins from David’s Tabernacle, as well as Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam. From here we are taken to the site of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, a special and solemn place a short walk from the Jaffa Gate. From here we walk a short distance to modern Mount Zion for a visit to the traditional site of the Upper Room, where the Church was empowered. Entering the Zion Gate, we tour along the ancient Cardo and come to the Old City bazaar for lunch and shopping for bargains with the street vendors. Next, we have a chance for prayer at the Western Wall before going to see the Pool of Bethesda and St. Ann`s Church. We depart the Old City through St. Stephen`s Gate and walk along the Kidron Valley, passing by the famous Eastern Gate on the way to our bus where we load up and say goodbye to the Old City. Our final stop is the unforgettable Valley of Elah, where David slew Goliath. From here we go to a very nice farewell dinner, and then to the airport to begin our journey home.

We fly back to the US with many great memories, many new friends, and a fresh perspective of the Bible and an overwhelming desire to return to Israel. We fly through the night and arrive back in New York for our connecting flight home.

• 7-9 x underwear, socks

• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts – one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!

• 3-4 x shorts

• 2 x long, loose shirts

• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops

• 2-3 evening tops

• 1-2 x swimming gear

• 1-2 x sweater or cardigan

• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes

• 1 x pair of more formal shoes

• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket

• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat • Toiletries

• 1 x beach bag

• 1 x day bag

• 1 x evening bag

• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed

• Passport and travel docs

• Insurance Specific packing notes for religious sites

• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)

• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)

• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back

• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive